José Staneck

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

José Luiz Barroso Staneck

Years Active

1984

Genres

MPB, jazz, classical music

Instruments

harmonica

Biography

José Luiz Barroso Staneck, artistically known as José Staneck, is a Brazilian harmonica player born in São Paulo on January 24, 1962. Recognized as one of the most esteemed harmonica instrumentalists in Brazil, Staneck has developed a unique musical style that blends elements of MPB, jazz, and classical music. His skill with the instrument has led him to perform as a soloist with various national and international orchestras, interpreting works by renowned composers and expanding the harmonica repertoire.

His musical training includes studies at the National School of Music (RJ), courses in Functional Harmony with Isidoro Kutno and Aesthetic Analysis with H. J. Koellreutter. Staneck also refined his harmonica technique with Maurício Einhorn and won the 1st Brazilian Jazz Society Competition in the instrumentalist category. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with major names in Brazilian music, participated in album recordings by artists such as Eduardo Dusek and Bia Bedran, and was a member of the group Jazz Brazzil. His discography as a soloist includes albums that explore the poetics of the Brazilian harmonica, featuring works dedicated to the instrument by composers such as Villa-Lobos, Radamés Gnattali, and Guerra-Peixe.

In addition to his work as a musician and soloist, José Staneck has a strong commitment to music education and social projects. He was the director of Musiarte – Integrated Music Course and developed the Orchestra in the Schools project, aimed at the cultural inclusion of children and youth through music. His dedication to the harmonica and the dissemination of Brazilian music has earned him international recognition, being acclaimed by critics as the "David Oistrakh of the harmonica" and compared to great masters of classical music.

Discography

• A Poética de uma Harmônica Brasileira (2004)
• Harmonitango (2017)
• Heitor Villa-Lobos / Manuel Barrueco, José Staneck, OSESP Ensemble, São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, Giancarlo Guerrero – Guitar Concerto - Harmonica Concerto (2019)
• Tributo a Guerra Peixe (2022)